For all intents and purposes, Noitu Love: Devolution for Nintendo 3DS is the same as the Wii U version we previously reviewed. In this review we'll focus on the differences in the 3DS version and how it stacks up to the HD equivalent, so check out the Wii U review for a more detailed breakdown.

As a reminder, Noitu Love: Devolution is a loving homage to the likes of Gunstar Heroes, where hero Xoda Rap must save the day from the evil Darn army which has invaded the present, when they were thought to be extinct a hundred years prior in the original; Noitu Love - Devolution is actually a sequel.

With the 3DS version you lose the opportunity to use the Wii Remote and Nunchuk control option which, in our view, is the more comfortable choice; that leaves a stylus on touchscreen setup for aiming your crosshair. However, if you're playing on the handheld the action seems even more frenetic but also more manageable, with less screen real estate to cover.

The only downside is that it can sometimes be uncomfortable to find a graceful way to hold the 3DS in such a way that you can move your protagonist with the Circle Pad whilst still jabbing at the screen. We've found that it isn't an issue if you're laying down on the couch or in bed, or even using the stand that came with Kid Icarus: Uprising, but any prolonged use or trying to handle the 3DS otherwise can cause hand cramps. However, this may not be an issue for most - this game is built to be played in short spurts, with levels not lasting for any extended periods.

Not that it should come as any surprise, but there are no 3D visuals to speak of, as the game is played entirely on the touch screen. It's worth mentioning for those who might be swayed by their love for everything stereoscopic and 3D. The visuals do pop a bit more, however, as the game's resolution fits the screen of a 3DS version better, whereas the Wii U has side bars in lieu of being widescreen.

Conclusion

In the end, you can't go wrong no matter which system you use for Noitu Love: Devolution; it all boils down to personal taste. Unfortunately, there isn't a cross buy option available. We found that the Wii Remote and Nunchuk combo worked the best, but most players can avoid getting cramped hands if they play it in short bursts on Nintendo's dedicated handhelds. Regardless, it's a game worth playing even if you don't have a Wii U to dabble on, as this action title is as crazy and fun as it is unique.

I got this game on 3DS since I prefer on-the-go experiences over sitting in a living room and setting up TV, couch, lights and everything for a comfortable play session. I'm not disappointed. This game was a nice surprise back in PC days and I'm glad to see it translated flawlessly to Nintendo handheld.

Where did this game come from? I thought it was an older game remade or re-released, but it seems it's just a really well done indie, is that right?

Might grab the Wii U version. That Wiimote play sounds great, and I prefer games in 3D, though I understand why it's not and surely Pikmin 3DS will be the same way, only that game is a day one for sure. Kirby Rainbow Curse used a similar "stylus on gamepad" method for understandable reasons yet everyone rejected it for whatever reason. Shame since it's a really fun game.

@JaxonH The first Noitu Love is some obscure PC classic from late 2000s, from the designer/developer Konjak, who is a big fan of Nintendo games and specially Metroid Fusion. This one on 3DS and Wii U was actually called Noitu Love 2.

Take a quick search on Google to see his projects. He's one of my favorite indie developers out there.

I really like this game. I agree, the graphics really pop and the game play is pretty fun, once you get used to it. The story is also interesting, I'm about 1/2 through and there's been one case where I thought I was fighting the boss and then...nope, not the boss...I am having a lot of fun playing the game.

"it can sometimes be uncomfortable to find a graceful way to hold the 3DS in such a way that you can move your protagonist with the Circle Pad whilst still jabbing at the screen."

I thought this was a really weird sentence when I first read it, and couldn't figure out why. Then I picked up my 3DS and tried it with the power off and found it to be pretty much impossible. Then it hit me, I'm left-handed and most people aren't. Are there alternate control schemes? Does something like this turn the game into "literally impossible" ? I had never even given it a second thought before reading this review.

I clicked on this review thinking it would be one of those slightly odd, relatively obscure to Western audiences, yet freshly localized JRPGs. Thanks for reviewing it — this one would have slipped under my radar for sure!

As a question to folks that are already playing...are you playing on the original 3DS, a (new) 3DS XL, or a New 3DS cover plate model? If the controls are considered a bit hand crampy, I'm curious if the size of the 3DS alleviates that at all.